Milton police identify knife-wielding suspect shot by officer

The Milton Police Department has released the identity of a suspect who was shot in the chest after allegedly leading police on a brief chase and then charging at deputies with a knife.

Bradley Shane Hobbs, 32, was shot during a confrontation with deputies Thursday, but Milton Police Chief Tony Tindell said Hobbs is expected to survive.

At approximately 11:20 a.m. Thursday, Milton police officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle, according to a Milton Police Department news release. Upon their arrival, the officers were informed the suspect had carjacked the victim at knife-point near the intersection of Munson Highway and Econfina Street.

Officers located the vehicle nearby and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Hobbs allegedly ignored officers’ attempt to pull him over and fled northbound on Stewart Street.

Hobbs lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the retention pond near the intersection of U.S. 87 and Langley Street, the release said. Hobbs allegedly exited the vehicle and advanced toward Cpl. Dwayne Smith while armed with a knife.

Hobbs allegedly ignored Smith's repeated instructions to drop the knife, and Smith fired his weapon to stop Hobbs' advance. Hobbs was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. Smith was not injured

An arrest warrant with no bond will be served once Hobbs is released from the hospital. He faces charges of armed carjacking, aggravated fleeing and alluding and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

As is standard procedure, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.